San Jose Sixth-Grader Qualifies for National Spelling Bee

Ishani Dasgupta advances from Bay Area regional competition to prestigious national tournament.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:08pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic spelling bee trophy or trophy cup repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the excitement and achievement of a young student advancing to a national academic competition.A vibrant celebration of academic excellence as a young San Jose student qualifies for the prestigious National Spelling Bee.Santa Clara Today

Ishani Dasgupta, a sixth-grader at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in San Jose, has qualified for the National Spelling Bee competition in Washington, D.C. this May after finishing among the top four students in the Bay Area Scripps Regional Spelling Bee on March 29.

Why it matters

The National Spelling Bee is one of the most prestigious academic competitions for students in the United States, with participants coming from across the country to test their spelling skills. Qualifying for the national event is a significant achievement that can open doors for young students.

The details

Ishani, who has competed in spelling bees for the past two years, plans to prepare extensively for the national competition, aiming to put in an hour of practice every day and even more time on weekends. The sixth-grader says she is 'really excited' to have the opportunity to compete at the national level.

  • Ishani qualified for the National Spelling Bee on March 29, 2026 after finishing in the top four at the Bay Area Scripps Regional Spelling Bee.
  • The National Spelling Bee competition will take place in Washington, D.C. this May 2026.

The players

Ishani Dasgupta

A sixth-grader at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in San Jose who has qualified for the National Spelling Bee competition in Washington, D.C. this May.

Bay Area Scripps Regional Spelling Bee

A regional spelling bee competition that serves as a qualifier for the prestigious National Spelling Bee.

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What they’re saying

“I am really excited that I was able to qualify for the Nationals, it is such a prestigious tournament. I will prepare hard and give it my best shot!”

— Ishani Dasgupta

What’s next

Ishani will continue to prepare extensively for the National Spelling Bee competition in Washington, D.C. this May, aiming to put in an hour of practice every day and even more time on weekends.

The takeaway

Qualifying for the National Spelling Bee is a significant achievement that can open doors for young students like Ishani. Her dedication to preparing for the prestigious competition showcases the hard work and determination required to excel in academic challenges at the highest level.